INDIANAPOLIS – Retired Lincoln National Corp. chairman and CEO Ian M. Rolland received the state’s highest honor from Gov. Mitch Daniels. The Sachem Award was presented for Rolland’s years of service as a civic and business leader.

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller publicly thanked Rolland specifically for his ongoing efforts as a court-appointed receiver to resolve a complex legal dispute involving the Oakwood Inn and to restore the historic cultural retreat located on Lake Wawasee in Kosciusko County.

“Ian Rolland is an example of someone who never stops serving his community. He has continued to tirelessly work to reach a resolution of the difficult legal, financial, and other issues surrounding Oakwood.  He has willingly undertaken this assignment to attempt to make Oakwood economically viable again for the community’s benefit.  Ian Rolland’s tremendous effort with Oakwood thus far serves as yet another example of his civic-minded commitment to his fellow Hoosiers, and he is greatly deserving of the state’s top award,” Zoeller said.

A complicated legal dispute over control of the Oakwood Inn and retreat near Syracuse, lingered for several years, until July 2009 when the Attorney General’s Office – which has a regulatory role over nonprofit organizations – intervened in the case.

To attempt to resolve the litigation and resuscitate Oakwood as a viable entity, Zoeller in May 2010, asked the Kosciusko County Superior Court to appoint Rolland as a receiver. Through Rolland’s negotiations with the other parties, including the North Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Inc. and the estate of the late philanthropist Howard Brembeck – who was Oakwood’s longtime benefactor – Rolland in April 2011 developed recommendations for reviving the historic inn and retreat. The Court has accepted Rolland’s recommendations and discussions with property owners and interested stakeholders are ongoing.